TIGLIN Newsletter (DEC 2020) v9 HQ

WINTER 2020 / 2021
Gillian Hussey
Retired Justice
Patron of Tiglin
Charities operating in Ireland are
among the many sectors struggling
due to the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic. Here at Tiglin, we have
been forced to cancel key annual
fundraising events due to the
restrictions, leading to an acute
funding shortfall in certain areas.
It is interesting to note that The
Wheel, the national association of
charities, warned in May that up to
half of the charitable organisations
operating in Ireland may be forced
to close within six months.
However, in response, Tiglin and its
supporters have created alternative
sponsorship events and also issued
renewed appeals for direct, online
support.
Tiglin have put together a number
of virtual fundraising initiatives
for individuals and companies to
support. This includes Renault
In this issue...
Empowering
People
Message from our Patron
2020 has been a very strange year for us all in so many different ways. The staff
and volunteers at the Centres run by Tiglin have done immense work. This
has been matched by the generosity of so many people and companies without
whom it would have been hard to keep up the good work.
As Patron of Tiglin I would like to thank all for their wonderful work and
support. I wish you a very happy Christmas and hopefully we can all look
forward to a better 2021.
Update from our Chariman
Coldvember
Swim
Trucks who supported us in the
quest for a new bus for the women’s
centre and a group of young
students led by Issac Philips from
who raised funds through the
Coldvember initiative.
I remember as a kid reading
Proverbs 16:16 which says that
having wisdom and understanding
is better than having silver or
gold. This of course brought me
on a Journey through college etc
and showed me it is important to
take advantage of the educational
opportunities that one is blessed
with. God created our world, and
learning about Him, the world He
created, other people, ways we can
live and work in the world, etc.
are good things.
Continued on page 2
Women’s
Centre
Update
Carrig Eden
Update
www.tiglin.ie
Aubrey McCarthy
Chairman
No Bucks
Cafe
PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 7
NEWSLETTER 2020

Empowering
PEOPLE
A word from the CEO
Empowering people who have
been heavily disempowered
due to the incapacitating grip
of addiction and the stigma of
homelessness is what Tiglin
continually aims to do.
The daily investment of the loyal and
dedicated staff who work with Tiglin points
people in the right direction in order to restore
what has been eaten away by these powerful,
marginalising forces. As 2020 brought
many unforeseen challenges for us all, we
remained focused on who we are and what
we do in order not to suffer from “mission
drift”. Some of the highlights from 2020
took place with the help, input and support
of many willing parties. One such event was
held at Tiglin men’s centre in February this
year. In the run up to the General Election
2020, Tiglin invited all those running for
election in the constituency of Wicklow to
attend an evening hosted by Tiglin’s own
“Vincent Browne”, Mr Aubrey McCarthy!
Speaking on the night among many others
was the newly elected Minister for Health,
Stephen Donnelly who called Tiglin “A
hidden miracle” and pledged his ongoing
support should he be elected. The purpose
of this evening was to encourage those in our
care to use their democratic right to vote as
a privilege that can shape the world around
them. Reconnecting people with their voice
and giving them the confidence and sense of
purpose to use it is what much of resilient
recovery is about.
Continued from page 1
In Tiglin we have found that many
of the students have had limited
educational opportunities in life and
that addiction and Circumstances
have somewhat disabled their chances
to advance in Life. During the past
few years our staff have been working
with Board member Susan Philips
to change this situation. Thomas
Jefferson said “Education is the
passport to the future, for tomorrow
belongs to those who prepare for it
today. The real education is the one
that will set you free.”
2
Another loyal group of willing parties
investing in the recovery capital of those in
Tiglin are education and training providers
such as IT Carlow, KWETB and An Cosan.
2020 has seen the return of investment
for many residents and staff of Tiglin. In
typical 2020 style, we had a very COVID
friendly, socially distant virtual IT Carlow
graduation for 19 people who have also
graduated from Tiglin and 13 staff members.
The expansion of opportunities that stem
from the investment of time, energy and
money into education adds great value and
strengthens recovery capital.
While we have seen many cracks of light in
a challenging and often dark year, we have
also been very aware of the great threat
that COVID-19 has been. As we have
interfaced with this pandemic, we at Tiglin
have remained open while many others had
to close. For many months, as COVID-19
restricted people and insisted we remain
indoors, this resulted in many losing out at
accessing addiction treatment.
The concepts of social distancing and
isolation might be phrases embedded into
our vocabulary because of 2020, but they are
not new concepts for many of Tiglin’s clients
who have experienced life on the margins,
Kevin Burke, Phil Thompson CEO, & Jay Bobiniac
Today at Tiglin the management and
staff are excited about the educational
opportunities that are now available
to our students. We also are offering
our educational programmes to those
on our Community Employment
programmes. Recently one of the
individuals who a few years ago came
to our homeless outreach graduated
with Tiglin staff members with a
Level 8 in social care and now we
have supported him in enrolling in
a Masters degree. Such progress is
ground-breaking for an individual
due to homelessness and addiction for a great
deal of their lives. As we have tailored our
services to adapt to the changing climate,
Tiglin have experienced over 400% of an
increase in demand from those looking for
help as they reached through our website. In
the face of this unpreceded demand for our
Tiglin have experienced over
400% of an increase in demand
from those looking for help
as they reached through
our website. In the face of
this unpreceded demand for
our services we have also
experienced a drop of 70% in
fundraising activities.
services we have also experienced a drop of
70% in fundraising activities. I hope that
this newsletter encourages you to see that
while life is currently a struggle for many, we
have witnessed many people experience true
freedom even as the world has been restricted
by lock downs.
Phil Thompson
CEO
and shows the individual that “they
can do it”.

Aubrey McCarthy
Jay Bobinac
Humanitarian Awards
Tiglin is honoured and amazed to have not one but
TWO of our people nominated for humanitarian
awards with the Irish Red Cross this year.
Our Chairman Aubrey Mc Carthy, along with one of
our Community Employment Supervisors and homeless
outreach leaders, Jay Bobinac are hardworking, peoplecentred
individuals who work tirelessly to help others
advance their lives and find their purpose and potential.
Well done guys, your work does not go unnoticed! Well
deserved!
Recovery Walk
2020 marks the 6th
anniversary of the
annual sales force
sleep out for Tiglin,
and in typical 2020 fashion we had to adapt
this event, on Thursday 10th Dec sales force
employees and their family and friends slept in
their gardens, balconies or sitting room floors.
Sales force have been an incredibility loyal
and generous company and have matched any
donations received. A big thank you to Collette
Mason for driving this annual event.
Thank you to all Salesforce staff
Pre Covid Election
It’s hard to imagine that the General Election was only
this year. Well as usual, Tiglin hosted the candidates
and the students were given the opportunity to grill
each candidate. It was a fun night and I was given
the task of MC.
There was great engagement and it was a great
opportunity to show the Tiglin students that they have
a voice and that their “voice matters”. Stephen Donnelly
started that Tiglin is a “Hidden miracle in the Wicklow
mountains”. Himself and Andrew Doyle spoke about
how good the programme is relative to
anything else on offer- and that the
human value is compelling - with
Stephen Donnelly summarising
that “we need a Tiglin over Ireland”.
He went on record setting that
“One of the things that I would do
as health minister would be to help
Tiglin, for their families and their Stephen Donnelly
communities”.
Day Centre from right to left Paula Valentine, Adrienne Hatchell,
Pat O Brien & Cathy Devlin
Coldvember
Swim
Big thank you to Issac Philips
and the Tiglin Coldvember
swimmers who raised
money to help Tiglin to
acquire essential furnishings
for Carraig Eden.
3

Women’s Centre
Well this is one year not to
forget! Because for some this
is the year that gave them their lives
back!
In the face of many challenges Tiglin
Women’s Centre continued to operate
a fully functional residential service.
Such credit is due to the extremely
dedicated staff team who proved
beyond measure their flexibility
and willingness to serve. What a
privilege it is to serve alongside such
a team. Although over stretched 3
staff members managed to complete
a HDIP in Social Care with IT
Carlow. Yet most significantly our
residents stood out above all. Many
demonstrated amazing courage,
resilience, and strength, despite
carrying the weight of the continued
restrictions which prohibited them
from meeting with their loved ones.
Somewhat helpful was the installation
of 1000mb Fibre Internet at the centre
which assisted in the facilitation of
increased online calls to families,
counsellors, and therapists.
Thanks to the provision of a Sports
Capital Grant many of the residents
enjoyed the addition of a fully kitted
out gymnasium. The introduction of
2 weekly fitness classes also proved
to be a huge success with the girls.
Although I still don’t get the loud
music?
A new pond lit up by a bridged
walkway also further enhanced
4
Gary O’Heaire and Rachel Harper
the garden area. Additionally, the
transformation of our newly built
log cabin has meant that it is now
operational as a fully functional
educational unit.
But certainly, the highlight of this
year has been the 7 ladies who have
successfully
completed our
residential
programme
and are now
awaiting
graduation.
For these
ladies and
the many still
within our
residential
centre 2020
is a year
that gave them their lives back. It is
positively a year that they will never
forget!
Thank God for his continued blessing.

Breadboards
The men at Tiglin’s residential centre have completed many
courses in 2020 one of which was the QQI Woodwork and
Tool box safety course at our Ashford centre. The men are
currently making handmade hardwood chopping boards in
our Woodworking shop under the supervision of our CE
Supervisor Kevin Burke.
Men’s Centre
The overarching challenge
during 2020 has been the
ongoing impact of the COVID-19
coronavirus pandemic. This has
significantly impacted the centre
(i.e. reducing family contacts,
lengthy lockdowns, etc.), but has
also had positive effects on staff and
student cohesion, student learning,
staff development, etc.
The centre has remained open
throughout and been able to induct
new students since July 2020, via
test and isolate policy negotiated
with HSE, GPs, etc. Whilst numbers
reduced over the spring/summer,
since recommencement of intakes
student numbers at the centre have
stabilised in mid-20s; at time of
report, currently 23 in house and 12 at
Carraig Eden.
Other issues being managed are the
transition from approx. 11mths at
Centre and 5mths at Carraig Eden in
Phase 4 to a model based on 9mths
at Centre and 7mths at Carraig
Tiglin Day Service
Eden in ‘aftercare’ managed by the
Day Service. This transition period
is throwing up some anticipated
‘teething issues’ (e.g. some minor
student challenges, practical
issues around transport, arranging
meeting times, etc.), but nothing
that is proving insurmountable. This
transition period should be concluded
on/around Easter 2021, when the new
model should be firmly established.
Developments at the Centre remain
ongoing. One point to note is the
good news that successful discussions
have been concluded with IT Carlow
to commence an action research
project in January 2021 to investigate
how to improve our service for
students with ‘Dual Diagnosis’
(when a person has issues with both
substance abuse and mental health).
Also, discussions are ongoing with
IT Carlow and An Cosan to further
develop the formal educational
component to the programme during
2021.
A LITTLE STORY
FROM ONE OF
OUR SERVICES
USERS.
“
I came to The Lighthouse for
my dinner one day, from that
first meal I was introduced to
a case worker who advised and
directed me towards one of my
goals. I have been homeless for
over a year. Today is the best
day, I have signed a tenancy
under HAP.
Thank you so much for all your
help and guidance, I'm forever
grateful .
”
The Day Service continues to operate fully during the Pandemic. Due to our building size and COVID
Health and Safety protocols the Service delivery changed to a new platform called ‘Zoom” for the first
two months. A platform we are all well use to by now 9 months later.
During these challenging times
of constant change and upheaval
Recovery won over Addiction. The
day service is completely full and
did not lose one person to relapse
during this pandemic. Addiction
strives on isolation and feeds on the
lonely, however by been creative and
finding and using new skills to create
connection and sense of belonging
participants fought the best fight
and are winning this battle. Deepest
respect to each and everyone of them.
Some of our participants started part
time jobs, some began volunteering
in the community and reaching
out to others. We took part in
Recovery month organised by
Recovery Ireland and helped make
recovery visible in both Arklow and
Greystones. Education continued,
QQI qualifications where completed,
graduations took place and 10 of our
participants and 5 staff completed the
Reality Therapy/Choice Theory Basic
Intensive week. The show continues
using new creative means of delivery
and connection. It has been one of the
most challenging years for everyone
and we have witnessed individuals
rising to meet those challenges. This
year has shown us the depth of our
participants resilience, patience,
strength, camaraderie, generosity,
good will, sheer determination and
hope.
The Day Service would like to wish
you all a Safe, Happy & Connected
Christmas.
5

Political Evening in Tiglin
Back in February we gave all our residents and
participants an opportunity to register to vote
therefore empowering them to take a hold of their
precious rights as Irish citizens. As a follow on to
this we invited local candidates for the upcoming
general election up to Tiglin to pitch their no.1's
to Tiglin residents. We were delighted to welcome
Stephen Donnelly, Andrew Doyle, John Snell,
Seamus Connor, Anthony Fitzgerald, Valerie Cox
and John Larkin.
The evening, chaired in a Vincent Browne style by
Mr. Aubrey McCarthy (Tiglin Chairman) also gave
the candidates the opportunity to mix informally with
students, staff and local residents over a coffee.
The evening commenced with each candidate
expressing their views and solutions on solving some of
Ireland’s challenges.
Andrew Doyle TD opening remarks outlined some
of the successes Co. Wicklow has seen in the area of
housing and highlighted the important role Tiglin has
as a rehabilitation and housing provider in Wicklow
saying: “if there was a model to follow, it should be what
was done here at Tiglin”.
When challenged by those present Stephen Donnelly
TD again echoed these sentiments by highlighting
Tiglin’s success saying “Tiglin is the most amazing rehab
programme in the country, one of the things I would do
as Health Minister would be to help Tiglin, because it’s
not just for those in addiction, it is for their families and
their communities.
Valerie Cox commented “look at people like Fr Peter
McVerry, Brother Kevin and Aubrey McCarthy who
are making a difference and take advice and inspiration
from them.”
Tiglin Chairman Mr. Aubrey McCarthy followed by
stating that "empowering people to use their voice
and their vote is just one of the ways that fear and
stigmatisation is removed”.
In concluding the evening Independent candidate John
Snell warned “Actions speak louder than words, those in
power have had the chance to act and introduce change
but they have not”.
It was a great evening and was a wonderful opportunity
to make our residents feel part of the broader society as
they complete their 16-month rehab programme.
Carraig Eden Update
2020 has seen lots of things slow
down but the pace of work at
Carraig Eden was consistent
meaning that as the year draws
to a close the renovation works
near completion.
Carraig Eden will be a state
of the art modern, warm and
homely environment helping
people to re-enter society
with the support of the Tiglin
Day supports and after care
Programme and the benefit
of a safe and welcoming
community. A big Thank you
to Wicklow County Council,
Cleary Construction and
O’Keefe architects for keeping
with the work that has resulted
in a high-quality standard living
accommodation.
6

A POEM
Oh kind sun may you never look at a place
greater than this place
Thirsty hungry waiting to be rescued
A person from the street dining with the
gentry and a drunkard with a man of many
tongues while the thief of Baghdad tells his
tale to a fallen comrade
Phil Thompson CEO, former Minister for Drugs
Pat Carey and CE supervisors Jay Bobiniac
No Bucks Cafe
One of our sponsored meals at the NoBucks Café
During the past six months No Buck’s cafe has worked in
partnership with DCM Lighthouse serving out circa thirty
thousand meals to the homeless of Dublin. In addition to that
we have reopened our night service that now operates four nights
per week. It consists of the night café information service and
the referral service that operates out of the newly built referral
booth that was constructed in order to battle the COVID 19
crisis. The caseload counts 335 clients since July.
The blue door in a world without colour
Once a simple boy walks through
A rich man he becomes
as what makes our hearts whole is not the
shiny pearl or a rare mineral
But hidden treasures in our fellow men
A dishwasher of great vigour
A toilet cleaner with great aspirations and
visitor from a far away land
a melting pot under the sun
Some places have that power
Some places feel that way
They try to tell me of the great divine
I am an ordinary man
I live in the real world
We are proud to announce that Kieran Cummins who previously
graduated the Tiglin programme, the Carraig Eden transitional
housing & previously our Dublin Community Employment Scheme,
currently a social care student has become our new support key
worker and he is managing the No Buck’s evening service. Kieran has
just moved into his new accommodation in Dublin and is proud to
be an ambassador of what we do.
The walking teams are back! After the lengthy COVID battle we
were able to get back on the streets - currently counting two walking
teams as well as an intensive-engagement outreach team headed by
the Outreach Manager Jessica Wade. The transition from the bus
has given us many positive aspects such as a full HACCP equipped
kitchen, washing facilities, bathroom and heating! Despite that we
still try to reach people out on the streets and welcome them to our
new premises and tell them all the new things we are able to do for
them that were previously only a figment of our imagination.
What is it that makes it special
What is it that makes it great
It's a familiar feeling
A touch of the human spirit
something that we thought was lost.
We all know it
We all feel it
I can not explain it
What is it
what could it be
what makes the potion magical
I am an ordinary man
I don’t believe in magic
But there is one thing I can't deny
This place is different
This place is special
Nicky Roe -
Thanks also to Nicky who continues
to support Tiglin’s No bucks cafe.
Each year he donates €5 from each
tree sold to help support those who
come to the cafe.
Kieran Cummins
7

A big thank you to our No Bucks Cafe sponsors
for their support during lockdown
Empowering
PEOPLE
Tiglin have experienced over 400% of
an increase in demand from those looking for
help as they reached through our website. In the face of this
unpreceded demand for our services we have also experienced
a drop of 70% in fundraising activities.
Tiglin is dependent on regular Gifting.
Please consider setting up a standing order.
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Please Post to this Address:
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Tiglin Challenge,
Tiglin, Ashford,
Co. Wicklow,
Ireland
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8
Tiglin Women’s Centre
Telephone: (0404) 47552
Tel: (0404) 496 83 Web: www.tiglin.ie
Tiglin Men’s Centre
Telephone: (0404) 40010
E-mail:admin@tiglin.ie